Pearl Harbor

By: Newt Gingrich, William Forstchen

Narrated by: William Dufris

"A thrilling tale of the attack that marked America's darkest day." (W.E.B. Griffin)

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech on December 8, 1941, lasted a mere six and half minutes. But his words and tone - in a monologue that would later be named the Infamy Speech - sent ripples into a nation and a world that continue even today. The historical implications that emerged from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor were unprecedented, launching America not only into the depths of a dangerous war, but forever altering the safety and comfort of everyday living. December 8th became a day of speaking out publicly and declaring war; of action, battle, plotting, and victories. This date's significance is resonant and profound as an indelible moment in American history.

Fresh from their series on the American Civil War, best-selling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen now launch a new epic adventure by applying their imaginations and knowledge to the "Date of Infamy" - the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor covers the full spectrum of characters and events from that historic moment, from national leaders and admirals to the views of ordinary citizens caught in the chaos of war. From the chambers of the Emperor of Japan to the American White House, from the decks of aircraft carriers to the playing fields of the Japanese Naval Academy, this powerful story stretches from the nightmare slaughter of China in the 1930s to the lonely office of Commander James Watson, an American cryptographer, who suspects the impending catastrophic attack. It is a story of intrigue, double-dealing, the horrific brutality of war, and the desperate efforts of men of reason on both sides to prevent a titanic struggle that becomes inevitable.

Gingrich and Forstchen's now critically acclaimed approach, which they term "active history", examines how a change in but one decision might have profoundly altered American history. In Pearl Harbor, they pose the question of how the presence of but one more man within the Japanese attacking force could have transfigured the war. More than a retelling, the book also serves as a potent warning, valid still today as an example of what happens when communications and understanding breaks down, and a nation is ill-prepared for the onslaught that might ensue. A compelling, meticulously researched saga, Pearl Harbor is also a novel of valor about those who took part in this cataclysmic moment in world history. It inaugurates a dramatic new Pacific War series that begins with the terrifying account of the day that started it all.

©2007 Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen (P)2007 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers LLC

Critic reviews

"Intriguing....it is always fun to re-imagine history, and Gingrich and Forstchen won't disappoint." ( Booklist)

Good historical fiction

This is a very listenable account of the events leading to and about the attack on Pearl Harbor. In a manner different from most western books on Pearl Harbor, the emphasis of the story is how the Japanese got to point where the attack was justified (from their view of course). The story walks the line of telling you the Japanese thinking without either condeming, excusing or supporting it. It provides a glimpse into the cultural differences between the Japanese and the west and how that plays into the story.

The written description of the attack itself is very well done and you feel like you can see it in front of you.

It is one of thoise books where you are sorry to see it end and want to read what happens during the rest of the war. I would love to see the story continue through the use of the atomic bombs.

I would have given it a 5 but I thought that it would have benefited from more specific historical information and more details about code breaking efforts.

Otherwise a great historical novel...

This book makes you think

This is a wonderful book. it's history as a novel. It is novel of history. the story is developed over period of time with viewpoints from Japanese and British as well as American. There are many questions that are answered but these raise new questions of Why did history unwind the way it does? Will history repeat itself? It certainly will at least until mankind learns its lesson.

William Dufris is an excellent narrator he has the ability to morph into virtually any character. His narration aids in visualizing the scene and most importantly the characters.
I highly recommend this book.

As real as life.

a sobering view of how things could have been so different if one small thing would have been changed

Not What I Expected

The novel follows 3 main characters: an American Naval Intelligence Officer, a British spy, and a Japanese pilot. I enjoyed the history and character development, but I did not expect it to end with the Japanese doing MORE damage to Pearl Harbor than what was actually done. Definitely leaves you on a down note.

Great Story Spectacular Narrator

One may or may not like Newt Gingrich as a politician but he is a qualified historian and this take on the possible is very well done.

As far as the narrator, William Dufris is, IMHO, Audible's very best narrator. His accents are amazing. I will buy any book he narrates if it is even close to a book that i might like.

Kind of ‘eh’...

I’ve been reading William Forstchen books for a while and enjoy them. I didn’t think much of this one but not enough to return it. I don’t see getting the next book to see where it goes but someone else may think otherwise. Characters don’t really get you involved and the alternate reality story doesn’t pull you in. Slow to start. Too much background. Not enough story.

Not Newt's Best

EXTREMELY disappointed in the abundant use of God's name in vain. God's last name is not dammit. Why not Budhadammit? Alladammit? Mohammeddammit? Content about a B. Narrator was good.

Playing With History

The Speaker and Bill Fortschen have given us a beginning to what might have been ... IF. Almost more important than. Writing a great story is the masterful dramatization by Bill Dufris. He made the attack on Pearl more vivid than “Tora, Tora, Tora.” I am anxious to get the next episode.

A good listen

I went into it not knowing what to expect and was almost immediately immersed in the story. The characters were believable and the historical perspective was interesting. The performance was excellent, too.

Nice start

Very nice start in the same vain as Newts and Forscyths alternate history on the Civil war. If you enjoyed the Civil war series this is a must listen. If you enjoy history lesson with an added twist, you will enjoy this book.